Double for Harry Kelly as newcomer Hutton Star shines at Down Royal
Trainer Harry Kelly continued a productive week for his yard with winners at both Irish meetings on Friday, adding a Down Royal success to an earlier victory at Wexford.
Impressive debut for Hutton Star in mares’ bumper
Kelly’s Sottsass filly Hutton Star made a winning start when taking the Hovis Ireland (Mares) INH Flat Race at Down Royal. Ridden prominently, the newcomer travelled well through the contest before making headway from mid-division. She took the lead inside the final furlong and went on to finish strongly, holding a clear advantage at the line.
The filly is owned by John Donohue and is out of the mare Lagostovegas. She beat a pair of penalised previous winners, finishing two and a half lengths ahead of Hillyfilly (sent off 5/2 favourite) with Clovelly Charm (10/3) a further half-length back in third.
Context and immediate impressions
Hutton Star, a young mare by Sottsass, showed promise despite some greenness on the going, adapting to testing underfoot conditions before finding enough to draw clear. The performance was notable for a horse making her racecourse debut against more experienced rivals.
Kelly’s earlier success on the same day came at Wexford, where his charge Femme Magnifique had already provided the stable with a winner. Collectively the two victories underline a productive spell for the handler across Irish provincial meetings.
What the result means
- Hutton Star’s debut victory will give connections options for future entries in mares’ bumpers or early novice hurdles, with the filly’s breeding — being by Sottsass out of a useful racemare — lending scope for progression.
- The presence of penalised previous winners in the frame underlines the merit of the performance by the newcomer, who overcame more experienced rivals to register a clear success.
- For Harry Kelly, the double across Wexford and Down Royal highlights his ability to place and prepare young horses effectively at provincial fixtures, a useful platform ahead of the bigger festival meetings later in the season.
Looking ahead
Connections will now consider the most suitable route for Hutton Star following her debut; options typically include staying in mares-only bumpers to build experience or stepping up to juvenile hurdles depending on her schooling and recovery. The balance between giving a promising filly time to mature and capitalising on a winning start will guide the next entries.
Kelly’s pair of winners across two meetings will also be of interest to racegoers and followers of the provincial scene as preparations continue for the major spring festivals. Performances like Hutton Star’s provide early clues about horses that might develop into contenders at higher-profile fixtures.
No further declarations or specific targets for Hutton Star have been announced.
